Croatia Eliminated From World Cup After Late Portugal Goal

Croatia's national football team suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 16 of the World Cup, with a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time sealing their exit. Despite a brave performance and a lead from Ivan Perišić in the 53rd minute, the "Vatreni" (Fiery Ones) were left in tears as luck turned against them.

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We didn't have luck, the first half we weren't what we know ourselves to be. It's hard to play against such a team when you know how good they are. The second half we were better, but in the end, we conceded two stupid goals.

Defender Josip Stanišić openly shared the team's frustration, admitting they lacked luck and conceded "two stupid goals." He acknowledged that Croatia had benefited from good fortune in past World Cups but felt it wasn't on their side this time. "Little things decide, sometimes it's offside, sometimes it's not. We conceded a penalty and a cross that we could have defended much better," Stanišić stated, highlighting the fine margins that decided the match.

Igor Matanović, who boosted the team's performance after coming on as a substitute, was visibly devastated. "It's hard to find the right words after a game like this," he said. "We played the second half really well and deserved more. I haven't seen the penalty yet, but if you award this... Three goals, offside, the post... I have no words, there was a lot of bad luck for us today."

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Little things decide, sometimes it's offside, sometimes it's not. We conceded a penalty and a cross that we could have defended much better.

Despite the painful loss, Matanović is looking ahead, stating, "We have to lift our heads, let's move on, we have to attack and go for success at the Euros." The team's World Cup journey ended in Toronto, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a penalty in the 68th minute and Goncalo Ramos securing Portugal's victory in added time, after Perišić's initial goal.

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In past World Cups, we had a lot of luck, we have to say that too. Today it simply wasn't on our side. We are disappointed and I don't know what else to say.

The article also notes the widespread national attention given to the match in Croatia, with citizens following the dramatic game across the country.

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It's hard to find the right words after a game like this. We played the second half really well and deserved more. I haven't seen the penalty yet, but if this is what you award... Three goals, offside, the post... I have no words, there was a lot of bad luck for us today.